By 1900, imperial decline became evident. Russia was defeated in the unpopular [[Russo-Japanese War]] in 1905. The [[Russian Revolution of 1905]] forced Tsar [[Nicholas II]] (1894-1917) to grant a constitution and introduce limited democratic reforms. The government suppressed opposition and manipulated popular anger into anti-Semitic pogroms. Attempts at economic change, such as land reform, were incomplete. | By 1900, imperial decline became evident. Russia was defeated in the unpopular [[Russo-Japanese War]] in 1905. The [[Russian Revolution of 1905]] forced Tsar [[Nicholas II]] (1894-1917) to grant a constitution and introduce limited democratic reforms. The government suppressed opposition and manipulated popular anger into anti-Semitic pogroms. Attempts at economic change, such as land reform, were incomplete. |